Ducks. 
383 
than if a coarser plumaged pen of large size were selected for mating. Many breeders prefer to mate ducks 
two years old with a drake not exceeding eighteen months. To breed the Roucns for perfection of markings 
it is always advisable to mate up separate breeding pens for the production of the two sexes. Thus, to breed 
standard-coloured drakes, the darkest drake should be mated with dakk-coloureu ducks, and to produce 
standard-coloured ducks a fairly dark drake should be mated with ducks light in ground colour and 
markings. 
In preparmg the Rouens for exhibition, much the same plan as advised for the Aylesburys should be 
followed, and if a little linseed meal is added to the soft food daily for a fortnight previous to the show, will 
assist greatly in giving the bird the glossy appearance so much desired on the feathers. During the summer 
months the Drake moults out his beautiful plumage, and assumes the more sombre feathering of the Duck. 
The directions given for feeding and rearing Aylesburys will be found advantageous in the management of 
the young Rouens. This breed is better adapted for city or suburban surroundings on account of the 
plumage, the latter not being nearly so likely to become soiled as either the Aylesbury or I'ekin, and without 
doubt as a handsome and attractive variety is in the very front rank. 
The Pekin Duck is of a more recent introduction, being originally imported from Pekin somewhere 
about the seventies. They breed with any of the other varieties, giving increased size, The difference in 
outward appearance and carriage is most marked ; the shape is similar to a boat, with the feathers under the 
rump turned upwards, merging into the tail which is carried in a forward turned up position. The breast is 
well carried forward and more upright than other ducks, the legs being placed in a somewhat further position 
along the body than most other varieties. The neck is of medium length, the head full and large. The 
bill, legs and feet are of a reddish orange colour ; the whole body plumage being of a pale creamy or canary 
colour throughout. The main characteristic of this valuable variety being length of body, large head, and 
more or less upright carriage. The Pekin is an excellent table Duck, and ranks highest of all domesticated 
varieties as layers, grows at a fast rate, matures early, and does not accumulate undesirable fat when kept 
under ordinary conditions. There is no breed which will give a better return for market purposes than the 
Pekin, either pure or crossed, as possessing a very large frame, this qualification is handed down to the 
progeny, if crossed with other varieties ; an all important consideration where great size with high-class table 
requirements are desired. Their plumage ivcars better than the pure White Aylesbury, and the colour of the 
bill does not offer the same objection to keep in perfect condition as the pinky white bill of the Aylesbury. 
The Pekin is a breed of Ducks specially suited to the extreme warm portions of Australia, and at the present 
moment is being cultivated extensively for its economic virtues. 
The Cayuga or Black Duck, of North America, is largely bred in the United States and Canada. 
This variety breeds freely with all of the domestic races. They are somewhat similar in shape to the 
Aylesbury, but their plumage is of a bright metallic black, with a resplendent sheen of green on the head, 
neck, and wings; the bill being blue-black, with a black splash or strenk in the centre ; the legs and feet 
being of a brownish cast. The necks of this variety are rather long, and the bill comes straight from the 
head without break, very similar to the Aylesbury. In size they quite equal either the Aylesbury or Rouen, 
and mature very early, are good layers and of quiet disposition. One objectionable feature this variety 
possesses, inasmuch as the birds after their second year often moult white feathers in the plumage, though 
this trait is never noticeable in the progeny bred from them until they arrive at their second year. This 
fault could, no doubt, be easily "bred out" by selection and preference. 
The Black East Indian Duck is closely allied to the Cayuga, and, in fact, the origin of the latter 
is stated by some authorities to be due to the Black East Indian. They are similar in every respect except 
size, and the same characteristic tendency to throw white feathers after their second year is very marked. 
They are, however, now looked upon as a purely ornamental variety of AVater-Fowl, and the smaller they 
can be bred with fancy points in perfection the more they are valued. 
